You’re one in (6.5) million!

It’s Carers Week from June 11-17 and the theme of this year’s event will be supporting carers to be healthy and connected. This annual event celebrates and recognises the contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers. Events will be held across the country to ensure that carers look after themselves and don’t feel so lonely. Almost half of the UK’s carers have let a health problem of their own go untreated because of their caring responsibilities and 69 per cent say they don’t regularly get a good night’s sleep.

While 72 per cent of carers have given up work to care, three million people juggle work while caring and a third of people who do work feel lonely or isolated at work. Caring roles can happen overnight – for example, if someone has a stroke or an accident – or it can come on gradually over the years. Many people feel they get no support or help when taking on a caring role and only two in five carers say they received training or advice on keeping well.

Many carers who work report that their mental and physical health has suffered due to their roles. One third say that being in touch with other carers helps them feel less lonely and isolated. Caring for someone full-time is a demanding job and it is vital for health and well-being that carers have a break. Social services departments can arrange for respite care. To arrange for this, contact your local Social Services department and ask for an assessment for yourself and for the person you look after.